"I came out here knowing I had nothing to prove": Dobey pleased to silence critics with opening Premier League Darts win

Chris Dobey saw off Michael van Gerwen 6-5 with an incredible 160 checkout to claim it on the opening night of Premier League Darts in Belfast.

After a whirlwind couple of days after being selected in the first place, Dobey rose to the occasion and showed his class.

"It's a great feeling obviously winning on the big stage but Premier League, you couldn't ask for much more on your debut," said Dobey post match.

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It was his full debut with Dobey playing as a contender before and he discussed the difference.

"As a contender playing for the first time in front of your home crowd you get all kinds of nerves but tonight after last week's win, I come here with no nerves whatsoever. I knew what I could do, I knew I could win on the big stage. That was a massive confidence booster for me last week. I'm just delighted to prove what I can do."

As well as the criticism from some sections he has had this week which he has now banished by proving he belongs.

"I came out here knowing I had nothing to prove anyway. I said before I believe I deserve my place going off the last two years but you get all the social media critics, they've got their own opinion. They can say what they want, I know I should've been before. I've done the job tonight and hopefully they've got a different opinion for next week."